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TRAPSHOOTING 
LEAGUES 

THEIR VALUE TO THE SPORT 
OF TRAPSHOOTING 

AND 

HOW TO ORGANIZE 
AND CONDUCT THEM 



COPYRIGHT, 1917 

E. I. DU Pont de Nemours & company 

Wilmington, Delaware 



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TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 

We have already shown, in our Trapshootihg- Club Handbook, how 
i^reatly individual shooters are benefited by their organization into 
trapshooting clubs. It is only logical to expect additional advantages 
in further organization — in the formation of trapshooting clubs into 
Trapshooting Leagues. We state here briefly what these advantages 
are, and how brought about, and then, if a Trapshooting League in your 
vicinity seems practical and worth while, we tell you how to make it 
a reality. 

A single trapshooting club gives its members only an individual 
incentive to excel, and, to the extent that this is a selfish system, holds 
them loosely. In Trapshooting Leagues this individual incentive is 
enriched and cemented with a common purpose which holds the club 
firmly together. Each shooter feels an active responsibility to the 
whole club for his utmost effort, and all are inspired to pull their hardest 
when pulling together. Nothing will so surely revive and retain interest 
in a trapshooting club as this team spirit. It is a rebirth of enthusiasm. 

The influence of a single trapshooting club is restricted almost entirely 
within its own membership. When that club joins a league it repre- 
sents, in a large measure, the entire population of the town where it is 
located, and, to an appreciable extent, the interest and encouragement 
of that town will be behind it, and will support it with abundant pub- 
licity, with liberal trophies and with a community spirit. It is just this 
that makes organized baseball so immensely successful. 

The league club will benefit from the interchange of ideas with other 
clubs, and soon discover its deficiencies. It will learn to stage tourna- 
ments properly — slovenly methods cannot exist under the eyes of the 
league, there will be both pride and penalties to prevent them. Each 
club must inevitably improve to the standard of the best equipped and 
conducted club in the league. Its members will profit individually by 
making new friends and adopting better methods. Their standard will 
approach that of the most expert shooters in the league ; and, best of all, 
they will get an away-from-home confidence and experience in shooting 
without which they cannot hope to win the higher honors of the sport. 

Many a trapshooting club that wavers and finally falls would live if 
encouraged by the influences surrounding a league. The very obliga- 
tion of the club to the league, pledging it to carry out a specific program, 

3 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



is a supporting- influence, and a challenge to the loyalty of every club 
member. 

The league shoots will arouse a sustained and progressive interest. 
Trophies will be easier to secure and in much larger numbers. The 
support of the Interstate Association will be obtainable. A league of 
clubs, each representing an entire community, will have a real influence 
on any legislation affecting the protection and preservation of game and 
forests, and in cooperation with other leagues, may voice the combined 
sentiment of the sportsmen of that state. 

The benefits we have spoken of are such as the actual experience of 
Trapshooting Leagues amply justifies; there are many more which 
brevity forbids. It is not merely a coincidence that where there are 
Trapshooting Leagues there are trapshooting strongholds. Such 
leagues naturally strengthen the sport, surrounding it with the bulwarks 
of organization, commanding respect and promoting methods by which 
every trapshooting club within range of its influence must profit. 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



THE ORGANIZATION OF 
TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 

Number and Location of Clubs 

A Trapshooting League should consist of at least three clubs. A 
larger membership, however, will strengthen the league in every way, 
and invitations to join a proposed league should, therefore, be extended 
to all active and well-handled clubs located conveniently to each other. 
Clubs that are inaccessible and that cannot be reached with a minimum 
of traveling expense should not be asked to join. The strength they 
might add to the league would be more than offset by the difficulties 
they would inject, so that a small league of active, well-equipped clubs, 
within easy access of each other, would live longer than a much larger 
league less fortunately constituted. 

Cost of Organizing and Conducting a League 

This is one of the first questions to be answered, and while we can 
give no actual figures, our experience is that the principal expenses of a 
league are for stationery, stamps, programs of shoots, constitution and 
by-laws and trophies. The last item becoming negligible where the 
trophies are donated by members arid friends. 

Another expense that must be borne is the salary of a live secretary, 
when none can be found who will render his services free. Salaries 
range from $10.00 a year up, and the money is always well spent, for 
the success of the league depends largely on the ability and application 
of the secretary. 

The Time to Organize 

Where three or more active and closely situated clubs are interested, 
the movement to organize a league may be started at any time. The 
earlier the start the longer the schedule that can be completed before 
the end of the year. However, it is not advisable to make the attempt 
during the hunting season, experience teaching that it is easier to 
interest shooters at any other time than when their minds are occupied 
with oanie hunting. 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



Who Will Take the Lead 

As in everything" else, someone must tak.e the lead. Nearly every 
trapshooter will endorse the proposition, but only a few will be capable 
of beginning the organization properly. The secretary of the club in 
which the league idea originated- ought, with the active support of his 
members, to assume this burden. Or some other man with initiative 
should be selected. Lose no time. Start the ball rolling at once. Other 
shooters and clubs will quickly fall in line, and your league will be in 
existence almost before you realize it. 

How the Du Pont Company Can Help 

The first assistance we can render is to put you in touch with other 
trapshooting clubs in nearby towns whose membership is desirable for 
your league. Write us if you desire this information and you will 
receive promptly the names and locations of all clubs within a reason- 
able distance, together with the names and addresses of their officials. 
Our trapshooting division will gladly give you every other assistance 
that its experience makes possible, and while the demand for the league 
must exist within the clubs and individual shooters if it is to be a 
success, we will, if given the names of clubs which might be induced to 
join, gladly write to them, and also endeavor to have one of our experi- 
enced representatives present at the first meeting. 

Copies of This Booklet Available 

We will send any reasonable number of copies of this "booklet free on 
request to anyone interested in the formation of a Trapshooting 
League. 

How to Write Other Clubs 

The best way to interest other trapshooting clubs in your league is to 
place a definite proposition before them. Therefore, your letter to them 
should be clear, concise, and state what plan you suggest following. 
Enclose a suggested set of rules to govern the operation of the league 
and, the contests which will be held. Ask the clubs you expect to join 
to suggest any improvements in the rules which would make a more 
successful and smooth-working organization. Get them interested in 
the preliminary work of forming the league and the rest will be easy. 

A suggestion for a letter to be used in writing other clubs to co- 
operate in forming a league of trapshooting clubs follows. Send it to 

6 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



the President, Secretary and other officials of all nearby clubs, and to 
prominent shooters as well : 

Dear Brother Trapshooter: 

The members of the club are eager to jom the other trap- 
shooting clubs in this section in the organization of a trapshooting league, and I 
have been delegated to write you regarding same. 

There are many advantages in a trapshooting league which will appeal strongly 
to your members, and should enlist their hearty support. Such an organization 
will encourage frequent and beneficial intercourse between sportsmen ; will give 
us a strong influence in movements to conserve our game and for equitable game 
laws ; will bring our various clubs and individual members into greater promi- 
nence ; will make far more interesting and friendly competition between clubs 
and shooters, with more numerous and valuable prizes and trophies for which 
to shoot. 

We have drafted a set of rules to govern the meetings and contests of the 
league. You are free to make any suggestions regarding them that may occur to 
you. Such suggestions will be referred to the rules committee of the league and 
given every consideration, with the idea of arriving at something which will l)e 
generally satisfactory. 

The date of the preliminary meeting has been set for 

(give date) 



at : 

(state street address of building) (town and state) 

We earnestly solicit the cooperation of your club, and hope you will arrange 
to be represented by at least one member.' If that is impossible, and your club 
desires to join the league, please write me to that effect, that I may send you a 
proxy form and read your letter at the meeting as an indication of your interest. 

Whatever your decision, we would like to hear from you and to have the benefit 
of your views at your earliest convenience. Hoping, also, to obtain your support 
for the league and your presence at the meeting, I remain, 

Yours for more sport, 

Club 



Per 



(Name of Club here) 

(Signature of writer) 

(Street address, if any) 

(Town and State) 

Follow-Up Letter to Clubs 

In case you do not receive a reply to your first letter from some of 
the clubs, do not become discouraged. Not having originated the idea, 
they will not be as enthusiastic over the possibility of forming a league 
as you are, and again, they may not readily appreciate the many benefits 
to be derived from a regular series of league shoots. So. in fairness 



TRAP SHOOTING LEAGUES 



to such clubs, you should write them another letter before your first 
meeting', endeavoring to get them to agree to have one or more of their 
members present, or to write you a letter endorsing the proposition and 
pledging the support of their club. We suggest, for such a letter, some- 
thing like the following : 

Dear Brother Trapshooter : 

We wrote you recently of the proposed organization of a league of the trap- 
shooting clubs of this section, and were certain you and your club members 
would be very much interested in same. As we have not heard from you in reply 
to our letter, we beg leave to again call your attention to the fact that the date 

set for the preliminary meeting is , at , 

(give date) (street address of building) 

, and we are counting on your club having one or more 

(town and state) 

members present. 

All indications point to a successful meeting, and the league is certain to be 
organized. Already the following clubs have signified their intention of joining: 
(Here give the names of such clubs as have agreed to have a representative at 
the meeting or promised to join the league). 

We are counting on the interest and cooperation of your club in making the 
league a success, when we know the many benefits derived will easily repay you. 

Hoping to hear from you and to see you at the meeting, I remain, 

Sincerely yours, etc. 

Form of Proxy 

While all clubs should have representation at the first meeting if 
possible, should a club which is in favor of the league find it impossible 
to have a member on hand for the organization meeting it may be repre- 
sented by proxy, duly signed, which will entitle the- club to charter 
membership in the league, and its members to hold office or sit on any 
of the committees. The proxy should be signed by the President and 
Secretary of the club, and may be worded somewhat as follows : 

191- ■ 

(place and date) 

This is to certify that the Trapshooting Club is interested 

(name of Club here) 

in the proposed trapshooting league. As we are unable to have a club member 

at the first meeting, we hereby aiithorize Mr 

to represent our club, and also vote for us on such matters as may be brought 
before the meeting. 

(Name of Club) 

By Pres. 

By Secy. 

8 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



The First Meeting 

Frequent meetings are not essential to the success of the league. In 
fact, one meeting each year should be sufficient. If necessary, a special 
meeting may be called at any time. 

At the first meeting the most important matters to be settled are : 
Election of Officers and Board of Directors. 
Naming of Rules Committee with power to act. 
Naming of Trophy Committee with power to act. 
Naming of Schedule of Shoots Committee with power to act. 
Place and date of next meeting. 

Duties of Officers and Committees 

The duties of Officers and Board of Directors should be made a 
portion of the constitution of the league. 

The duties of the Committees should be made a portion of the by-laws 
of the league. 

Trophies 

As one of the chief incentives to the formation of your league was 
the prospect of securing an ample supply of suitable trophies, and as 
you cannot sustain a proper interest otherwise, this matter should be 
handled as carefully and competently as possible. In naming the 
Trophy Committee, which should consist of two or three members of 
each club, working under the direction of a chairman, members should 
be selected who are at once popular, persistent and of some influence. 
This committee should first give the league all possible newspaper 
publicity, and should then systematically canvas all the business houses 
in their respective towns, offering publicity, cooperation and public 
welfare among the reasons for trophy donations. In the printed pro- 
gram of the league ample space should be provided for dealers' ads, 
to be paid for in cash or trophies, and all trophies should be prominently 
displayed in the store windows in league towns. The committee should 
also approach all individuals of wealth or prominence in the league or 
favorably disposed toward it, securing such contributions of money or 
trophies as they are willing to give, and seeing to it that they receive 
proper credit for the same. ,— ^ 

If the league is not a haphazard, go-as-you-please afifair, but a properly 
officered, correctly conducted organization, that is a credit to its district, 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



it will freely receive the active support of the towns represented and 
may also expect encouragement from the Interstate Association. 

Recognition by Interstate Association 

Many of the prominent Trapshooting Leagues throughout the 
country owe much of their success to the recognition and support, in 
the way of trophy and cash donations, of the Interstate Association. It 
is safe to say that any Trapshootingf League organized on sound 
principles, properly condvicted, and having proven its right to recogni- 
tion through a season or two of successful operation, can anticipate the 
hearty cooperation and substantial support of the Interstate Association. 

Work and plan for this recognition from the very start. As soon as 
the league is formed, notify the Interstate Association, Elmer E. Shaner, 
Secretary, Pittsburgh, Pa., outlining to it the plans and policies that 
have been formulated and solicit the Association's support. Then make 
your aim the upbuilding of the sport of trapshooting and your practice 
such as will retain the respect and interest of all the sportsmen in your 
sphere of influence, and you need not doubt the outcome. 

Manner of Awarding Trophies 

The trophies and prizes should be awarded at the direction of the 
Rules Committee. We know of no fairer manner of awarding trophies 
than by the Lewis Class System. This system is used, and has been for 
years, by some of the largest and most successful leagues in existence, 
and we recommend it to the consideration of others. Certain it is, that 
the shooter of average ability stands far more chance of winning a 
trophy or prize under the Lewis Class System than under any other. 
In fact, the poor shooters have the same opportunity of winning as the 
experts. If the Lewis Class System is used, the value of prizes and 
trophies in all classes should be as nearly equal as possible. If any 
class is to receive more prizes and trophies than the others, the lowest 
class should be the one so favored. 



10 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



THE LEWIS CLASS SYSTEM 

Originated by JAMES LEWIS, Pittsburgh, Penn. 

The purpose of the system is to encourage trapshooting by providing 
an equitable division of the money or trophies, so that shooters of all 
degrees of ability may have an equal chance of sharing in the rewards. 

As an absolutely consistent performance is rarely ever seen in the 
shooting game, the arrangement of a set handicap is a very thankless 
and unsatisfactory task. With the Lewis Class System, a contestant's 
performance determines his standing in the race and the distribution of 
prizes is taken care of automatically. While the element of luck enters 
into this distribution, a practical test of over six years in the largest 
Trapshooters' Leagues and gun clubs in the country has proven that 
the element of luck, through this system, has secured a wider range of 
prize distribution, thereby creating considerable additional interest in 
trapshooting. 

How the System Operates 

Two, three, four or five classes may be established, and are usually 
designated as A, B, C^ D and E. 

The classifying is done when the day's program or event is finished; 
the scores being arranged in numerical order, beginning with the 
highest and descending to the lowest in the entire program or event. 

These scores are then divided by the number of classes agreed upon. 
If four classes are used, then the fourth containing the highest scores 
is Class A ; the next highest fourth. Class B ; the next fourth, Class C ; 
and the next. Class D. 

Exceptions to Rule 

First. Where a short class is necessary, due to odd entry list, the 
short class or classes shall head the list. 

Second. Where the line of class division falls in a number of tie 
scores, the contestants are assigned to the class in which the majority 
of the scores appear. 

Third. Where an equal number of tie scores appear on either side of 
the line, contestants shall be assigned to the head of the lower class. 

11 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



Fourth. Where the original division is changed, due to tie scores, 
this change shall apply only to the classes directly affected and the 
original equation shall continue in the other classes. 

The question of ties is one which rarely has to be contended with in 
a 150-target tournament. 

Money or Prize Division 

The purse, or the prizes, are then divided into as many equal parts 
as there are classes ; and the high man or men in these classes are the 
winners of the money or prizes allotted to their class. 

Usual Division in Each Class 

High Gun or Rose System 

60-40^ I to 5 Shooters 6-4 

50-30-20^ 6 to 15 " 5-3-2 

40-30-20-10:'/ 16 to 25 " 4-3-2-1 

Merchandise or trophies are usually awarded according to the High 
Gun System. 

Ties are shot off or determined by lot at the option of the tournament 
management. 

Another System of Trophy Division 

A new system of trophy division, which is being tried out in some 
sections of the east, is based upon the known shooting ability of each 
contestant, as recorded by the Interstate Association and the American 
Amateur Trapshooters' Association. The shooters are listed before 
the event, the list starting with the shooter having the highest average 
and ending with the one having the lowest average. This list is then 
divided into classes, and trophies of suitable number and value appor- 
tioned to each class. In distributing these trophies the scores made in 
the event are taken into account, the shooter making the highest score 
in each class being awarded the highest trophy for that class, and so on 
down the list. 

Constitution, By-Laws and Rules 

As all Trapshooting Leagues are organized and operate under largely 
similar conditions, a comparison of the constitution, by-laws and rules 
of various successful leagues discloses many points in common, and 

12 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



makes it possible to draw up a composite set, including the strong points 
of each league studied and covering the essential features of all. After 
much careful thought and comparison, we have drawn up such a con- 
stitution, by-laws and rules, which we ofifer to prospective leagues as a 
structure that can be easily modified to serve their specific needs, at 
least, it may serve as a guide. 

We will always be thankful for any suggestions by which we may 
improve the following or keep them up to date : 

Constitution and By-Laws of the 
Trapshooters* League 



Constitution 

Preamble. The object of this league is the encouragement of amateur trap- 
shooting, the protection of game, the preservation of forests, and the promotion 
of good fellowship. 

ARTICLE 1 

The League 

Section i. This league shall be composed of Trapshooting Clubs, duly elected 
to membership, and paying the prescribed dues. 

ARTICLE 2 
Officers 

Section i. The officers of this league shall be a President, Vice-President, 
Secretary, Treasurer and Board of Directors. The President, Vice-President, 
Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting, and 
shall hold office for one year and until their successors are duly elected and 
qualified. 

Section 2. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same 
person. 

Section 3. The Board of Directors shall consist of one representative from 
each club, elected by the same for the period of one year. The President and 
Secretary of the league shall be ex-officio members of the Board of Directors. 

Section 4. Any Director who shall cease to be a member of the club he is 
representing shall forfeit his office at the same time. Any vacancy in the Board 
of Directors, existing from this or any other cause, shall be filled by the club 
in whose representation such vacancy occurs. 

ARTICLE 3 
Duties of Officers 

Section i. The President shall preside at. all meetings of the league and of 
the Board of Directors. He shall be a member of all committees ; shall execute 
all contracts and legal instruments ; and shall have a general supervision over 
all the business and management of the league. 

Section 2. The Vice-President shall, in the absence of the President, discharge 
the duties belonging to the President. 

13 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



Section 3. The Treasurer shall be the custodian of all funds. He shall 
deposit all moneys to the credit of the league in such bank or banks as the Board 
of Directors may designate, and shall obtain and preserve proper receipts for all 

moneys paid out by him. He shall furnish bond in the sum of dollars, 

($....), the expense of which shall be paid by the league. 

Section 4. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the league 
and of the Board of Directors in books provided for that purpose. He shall 
collect all dues and pay the same over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor. 
He shall be a member of all committees, and shall perform such other duties as 
the Board of Directors may require, receiving as his compensation the sum of 
dollars ($....) annually. 

Section 5. The Board of Directors shall have the final voice in the interpre- 
tation of all rules and the sfttlement of all differences, arising from whatever 
causes. It shall designate the place and hour of the annual meeting; shall 
authorize the expenditure of funds and 'levy additional assessments ; and shall, 
under certain conditions, elect or expel members, and make amendments to the 
By-Laws. 

ARTICLE 4 
Meetings 

Section i. The annual meeting shall be held on the (ist, 2d, etc.) 

(day of week) in (month) of each 

year, at such place and hour as the Board of Directors shall designate. It shall 
be attended by two delegates from each club, who shall together cast a single 
vote for that club on any ballot, or shall cast such vote separately in the absence 
of either. Said annual meeting may be adjourned from time to time until the 
business which may come before it shall have been completed. 

Section 2. Notice of every annual meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary 
of the league to the Secretary of each club at least ten days before the date of 
such meeting. 

Section 3. Special meetings of the league shall be called by the President or 

Secretary, or upon the written request of clubs to the Secretary. 

Notice of any special meeting, and of the object thereof, shall be sent by the 
Secretary of the league to the Secretary of each club at least five days before the 
date of such meeting; and no business shall be transacted at any special meeting 
except such as is specified in this notice. 

Section 4. A majority of all clubs that are qualified members of the league, 
represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of 
business. A smaller nvmiber may adjourn from time to time until a quorum 
shall be present. 

Section 5. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at the call of 

the President, or at the call of the Secretary upon the request of 

(....) of the Directors, in writing, or at any time providing all of the Directors 
are present. Ordinarily a majority of the total number of directors shall con- 
stitute a quorum. 

Section 6. The Secretary shall notify each Director of the time, place and 

object of any meeting called by the President or by himself at least 

days before the date of such meeting. 

ARTICLE 5 

Amendments to Constitution 

Section i. Amendments to this constitution may be made at any annual 
meeting, or at any special meeting called for that purpose, by a two-thirds vote 
of the clubs represented, written notice of the proposed amendment being sent 
to each club Secretary at least ten days prior to such meeting. 

14 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



By-Laws 

ARTICLE 1 
Order of Business 

The order of business at all league meetings shall be as follows : 

1. Roll Call. 7. Board of Directors' Report. 

2. Reading of Minutes. 8. Report of Committees. 

3. Proposals and Elections of Clubs. 9. Unfinished Business. 

4. President's Report. 10. New Business. 

5. Secretary's Report. 11. Election of Officers. 

6. Treasurer's Report. 12. Adjournment. 

^ ARTICLE 2 

Membership and Eligibility 

Section i. Clubs may be elected to membership by a three-fourths vote at 
any annual meeting of the league, or by a three-fourths vote of the Board of 
Directors at any other time. 

Section 2. Any Trapshooting Club shall be eligible to membership in this 
league that is properly organized, conducted and equipped, and within logical 
distance from all other members of the league. 

ARTICLE 3 
Dues and Funds 

Section i. The annual dues shall be dollars ($....) and shall 

be due and payable in advance at the annual meeting, or within days 

thereafter. 

Section 2. The Board of Directors shall have the power to raise any addi- 
tional funds that are necessary by assessing each club in the league its proportion 

of such funds, but no club shall be assessed in any amount greater than 

dollars ($. .. .) at any time, except with its express permission. 

Section 3. The league sJiiall bear the expense of printing and maihng a 
program covering all tournaments during the season, one copy of which shall 
be sent to each member of every club in the league. 

Section 4. All cash and trophies received from the Interstate Association 
or from any other source, excepting dues and assessments, shall be fully covered 
in the program. 

Section 5. Any cash balance resulting from dues or assessments, after the 
payment of all the expenses of the league, and not required as a reserve fund 
for the following year, shall be expended for trophies or distributed as a season's 
average purse. 

ARTICLE 4 

Expulsions 

Section i. Any club guilty of conduct detrimental to the interests of the 
league may be expelled by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors at a meeting 
called for that purpose, notice of which meeting and its object shall be sent to the 
Secretary of the offending club at least days prior to said meeting. 

Section 2. Any club whose annual dues remain unpaid for months 

after the time specified for their payment may be expelled by the Board of 
Directors, or by the Secretary, without notice. 

15 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



ARTICLE 5 
Committees 

Section i. The President, at the annual meeting, shall appoint the following 
committees : Rules, Trophies, Schedule. 

Section 2. The Rules Committee shall draw up a set of rules to govern the 
shooting of the league for that season, which shall be adopted by the Board of 
Directors after making such changes as in their judgment seem advisable. These 
rules, after adoption, not to be altered excepting under the same conditions 
prescribed for amendments to this Constitution and By-Laws. 

Section 3. The Trophy Committee shall secure and distribute as many trophies 
as possible for contests held during their term of office. 

Section 4. The Schedule Committee shall arrange the schedule of shoots for 
the league, which schedule, after being approved by the Board of Directors, shall 
not be altered excepting as prescribed in Section 2 above* for changes in Rules. 

ARTICLE 6 
Amendments to By-Laws 

Section i. Amendments to these By-Laws may be made at the same times 
and under |:he same conditions specified for amendments to the Constitution. 

Section 2. The Board of Directors shall have power to amend these By-La \vs, 
provided that written notice of the proposed amendment with the date set for its 

consideration shall be sent to the Secretary of each club at least days 

prior to such date. 

Rules of the 
Trapshooting League 



Rule i. The Secretary of each club shall file with the Secretary of the league 

a list of the members of that club with their addresses at least days 

before the first shoot scheduled. Newly elected members will not be eligible to 
compete until their names shall have been before the Secretary of the league at 
least days. 

Rule 2. Only bona fide amateur members of clubs in the league shall be 
eligible to compete for such clubs, or for individual trophies or prizes. 

Rule 3. Each competing club team may consist of any number of members, 

the highest scores to count for the team. The total score of a club 

competing with less than members to be the sum of the scores of 

the entire number competing. 

Rule 4. No shooter shall compete for more than one league club during any 
league season. 

Rule 5. Professionals shall be welcome to attend all league contests, but shall 
shoot for targets only. 

Rule 6. Each club shall have charge of its own tournaments and shall provide 
the necessary equipment and a competent and sufficient force for the proper 
conduct of such tournaments. 

Rule 7. Equipment shall consist of not less than automatic 

traps, properly placed and in perfect working condition. There shall be a satis- 
factory score board and score sheets for each squad shooting, and a bulletin board 
on which the scores in each event shall be posted immediately after each squad 
has finished shooting. 

Rule 8. There shall be at least one competent Referee, Scorer, Trapper and 
Trap Puller for each trap, at least one Squad Hustler for the shoot, and an experi- 
enced person to handle the office. 

16 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



Rule 9. Competition will cover targets per man in events of 

targets each, all shooting from 16 yards. Price of targets to 

be cents each. 

Rule 10. A 2j/2-cent entrance fee shall be collected frorn each eligible con- 
testant in every league shoot, by the Secretary of the club holding the shoot, 
and shall be remitted by him to the Secretary of the league. 

Rule ii. No entries shall be made after .... o'clock, . . M. on the day of the 
shoot. 

Rule 12. The grounds of the club holding the shoot shall be open at 

o'clock, . . M. on the day of the shoot and shall not be closed earlier than 

o'clock, . . M. on that day. 

Rule 13. League matches shall be commenced at o'clock, . . M. and 

no practice shall then be allowed over the traps set aside for such matches. 

Rule 14. The committee shall have the right to scratch the entry of any 
contestant not on the firing line promptly after squad is called. 

Rule 15. The rules of the Interstate Association shall govern all league 
matches. 

Rule 16. The winnings of each club shall be governed by the point system. 
each club to be allowed one point in each match plus a point for every other 
team in said match whose total score is lower than its own. 

Rule 17. Ties between clubs shall be decided in favor of the club making the 
higher score at the next league shoot. A tie in the last contest of a league 
series to be shot off the same day, at fifteen birds per man, and by the same men 
whose scores are included in the tie, excepting that in the absence of any such 
their places in the shoot-off may be taken by other members of the same club. 

Rule 18. Any club which fails to start a league shoot at the time advertised 

shall be fined dollars, ($....), to be paid into the treasury 

of the league. 

Rule 19. A scheduled league tournament shall not be postponed for any 
reason. In the event of the home club not supplying a sufficient outfit to carry 
out the regular program, the match shall be forfeited to the visiting club, or clubs, 
and any contestant who is unable to complete his score at such shoot shall be 
recorded as shooting and credited with a score equal to his average score in league 
tournaments during that season. 

Rule 20. The scores made at league tournaments shall be filed within one 
week with the Secretary of the league, or the same shall not be counted. 

Rule 21. The club having the greatest number of points at the end of the 
league season shall receive " First Trophy," other clubs to receive any other 
season trophies in accordance with their standing. 

Rule 22. Trophies and prizes at all league tournaments shall be distributed 
as equitably as possible, and by the Lewis Class System, when not otherwise 
determined by the Trophy Committee. 

Shooting Schedule of the 

Trapshooting League 

Season 19.... to 19.... 

Note. — Each league must of necessity fill out this section entirely by itself. 
The following general suggestions may serve as a guide : 

The shortest complete schedule possible is when all the clubs in the league 
shoot together, as a single shoot could comprise the schedule. However, the 
schedule should include a series of such meets, the popular plan being to hold 
at least one meet on the grounds of each club. This plan works to the best 
advantage with leagues having a limited membership and where the teams com- 

17 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



peting- for each club are small. The limit of its practicability is defined by the 
largest number of shooters who can be accommodated by the club having the 
smallest equipment in the league. 

The Central Ohio Trapshooters' League of fifteen clubs is the largest league 
operating under this plan. It aims to hold five tournaments each year and to 
rotate them so that by the end of the third year no club will have held two 
tournaments before every other club has held one, unless some club is willing to 
forego its turn in favor of some other club. 

The next shortest complete schedule is where clubs shoot in pairs, each club 
meeting every other club once, when each club will contest in as many shoots as 
there are other clubs in the league. Leagues having a large membership that does 
not desire to shoot over once a month and cannot all shoot together can adopt 
a schedule of this kind, which, if carried over two years, can be made quite fair 
by reversing the schedule the second year. The Philadelphia Trapshooters' 
League of ten clubs finds this plan a very good one. 

The longest complete schedule that may be practical is where each club meets 
every other club once on its home grounds and once on the grounds of the other 
club during one league season, when each club will shoot in twice as viaiiy meets 
as there are other clubs in the league. Where the clubs are all close together, and 
not more numerous than would require over two shoots a month, this schedule 
may be acceptable. It is, in effect, the same as a baseball schedule. Twelve 
clubs would be the limit that could operate under it. 

Some Active Trapshooting Leagues ' 

To give you an idea of the Trapshooting' Leagues that are operating- 
nearest your territory we inckide the following partial list of such 
organizations, with their approximate location. We can send you the 
names of the clubs and the name and address of the Secretary of any 
league you may wish to get in touch with: 

Tri-Club League, Massachusetts. 

Alberta Provincial Trapshooters' Assn., Alberta, Canada. 

Toronto Interurban Trapshooters' League, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

Trent Valley League, Ontario, Canada. 

Columbia-Willamette League, Portland, Oregon. 

Chicago Interurban League, Chicago, Illinois. 

Illinois Valley Trapshooting League, Illinois. 

Central Illinois Trapshooters' League, Illinois. 

Eastern Illinois Trapshooters' League, Illinois. 

Rockford-P)eloit-Janesville-Capron Federation of Gun Clubs, Illinois- 
Wisconsin. 

Maryland Trapshooters' League, Maryland. 

Oxford-Rising Sun-Providence League, Maryland-Pennsylvania. 

West Jersey Trapshooters' League, New Jersey. 

The Central Ohio Trapshooters' League, Ohio. 

Central Pennsylvania Trapshooters' League, Pennsylvania. 

Fayette County Trapshooters' League, Pennsylvania. 

18 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



Intercollegiate Trapshooters' League, Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, 

Dartmouth, Yale. 
Philadelphia Trapshooters' League, New Jersey, Penna.-Delaware. 
Susquehanna Trapshooters' League, Pennsylvania. 
Western Penna. Trapshooters' League, Pennsylvania. 
Inland Empire League of Gun Clubs, Wash.-Idaho-Mont.-Ore. 
Northwestern Trapshooting League, Washington-Oregon. 
Gloucester County Trapshooting League, New Jersey. 
Middlesex County Trapshooting Association, New Jersey. 
Monmouth County Shooting Association, New Jersey. 
League of Yacht Clubs, Long Island, New York. 

Some Suggestions and Things to Remember 

Always bear in mind that the league was organized and should be 
conducted for the best interest of all the members of all clubs in the 
organization, and not for any particular club or individual. 

Encourage the mediocre or poor shot in every way possible. 

Do not make the league season too long, or each tournament com- 
prise too many targets. The majority of shooters have limitations to* 
their purses, as well as a limit to their craving for competition. Too 
much shooting will hurt any organization. 

The most successful leagues are those which offer a liberal assort- 
ment of prizes and trophies for which to shoot, and give everyone an 
equal opportunity of winning. 

On the club holding the tournaments rests the responsibility for pro- 
viding proper help, etc., and all arrangements should be completed 
before the shoot is scheduled to start. 

Keep before the public. Whatever interests the league should interest 
the people in its territory. See that all tournaments and scores are 
reported in detail and promptly — while they are still news. 

Invite New Clubs to Join 

Experience shows that many new clubs are formed in sections where 
successful leagues are in operation. In fact, this, more than any other 
one thing, proves the popularity of the league idea with shooters. 
Such clubs should be extended an invitation to join the league. The 
more clubs and shooters interested the more prizes can be offered, 
which will result in larger attendance at league shoots, keener compe- 
tition, and greater enjoyment for all concerned. Make it a point at the 

19 



TRAPSHOOTING LEAGUES 



beginning" of each league season to extend an invitation to all clubs, 
old and new, within a reasonable distance, to join the league. If they 
don't join the first year, invite them the next. Eventually they will be 
glad to come in. They will help and strengthen the league as much as 
the league will help them. 

Advise With Us 

We have made a close study of the Trapshooting League proposition. 
Write our Trapshooting Division, whenever you are in doubt as to 
how to proceed. We will gladly assist in any possible way, both during 
the organization of your league and afterward. Our traveling repre- 
sentative will shoot at your tournaments whenever they can, and may 
be depended upon for advice and help in conducting the same. 

We suggest that you keep us advised at all times of the progress of 
your league, when we will endeavor to obtain national publicity for such 
of your tournaments and other happenings as are exceptional or 
important. 



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